It is a green setting, nestled in the heart of the Bigoudène countryside in Ploneour-Lanvern (Finistère). It will soon be a showcase for contemporary art. This is what Laurent Fiévet, a 55-year-old artist, exhibition curator and art collector, decided with his companion Ludovic Kerfendal, 58 years old and former theater director.
This haven of peace is an area of five hectares and 1,400 m² of buildings on the edge of the Moulin-Neuf pond on which, in place of an agricultural shed and a pigsty from another time, will grow several modular spaces dedicated to art. In all its forms: contemporary art, photography, dance, theater… Two residents have already taken over the artists' studios: Kevin Laplaige and Caroline Duchâtelet.
There will also be two spaces for temporary exhibitions, an administrative building in one of the existing outbuildings, a cafeteria with a bookstore… Not forgetting the Moulin de Kerbenoc'h, one kilometer from the site. Seated in the kitchen, one is having tea, the other is having coffee. But both men have the same glint in the depths of their eyes.
“My father was from Douarnenez, retrace Ludovic Kerfendal, 58 ans. Then my parents came to settle in Plozévet to retire. » His friend has directed the Jura endowment fund Lab'Bel since 2010, whose objective is also to “develop, promote, enhance and disseminate contemporary art, performing arts and artistic creation”.
Marie-Thérèse's house
The couple acquired their house quite by chance, ten years ago. After four years of restoration, they live between Paris and this old residence, full of taste and generous volumes, exposed beams and warm wooden cladding. They launched this space project immediately after their installation. Just after losing their neighbor Marie-Thérèse, who became their friend during the work.
It is in the house of this octogenarian who spent her life here, from her marriage to her last breath, that artists in residence are already installed. “It was also Marie-Thérèse’s wish. We chose this place out of respect for this place, its history and to restore unity to it. » Because before being divided over the 20th centurye century, Kervahut was a large farm.
Why this colossal project costing nearly 6 million euros (more than 5 million for the venue and 700,000 € for the mobile pavilion)? “There is frustration about the lack of relay of art in the region. A diagnosis shows that there is an expectation from the local population, replies Laurent Fiévet. The idea is to offer an opening, bring artists from elsewhere, create dynamics. » To design their project according to their idea, the couple called on the Quimper architect Jean-François Madec.
This is how the idea of a modular mobile pavilion from 24 to 96 m emerged.2. The objective of Distagits little Breton name: bringing art to twelve municipalities in South Finistère. In village squares, in the heart of towns, in commercial, industrial and sports areas, in the countryside like in Kervahut. “This place is an airlock between everyone's daily life and contemporary art that we imagine disconnected, on a rather urban planet. While not necessarily,” concludes Ludovic Kerfendal. First highlight in May 2025, with an exhibition Opening before work.
In the meantime, the Kervahut Fund lends its works in France and abroad, such as at the recent São Paulo Biennale in Brazil. Like other private collections, that of Laurent Fiévet is grouped under the Imaginary collectionhosted by the Dutch structure Tlön projects. The Kervahut Fund will be very real in its green setting.
“Bringing art to people is a policy of artistic and intellectual education. Access to culture and education is not a luxury: it is a necessity that allows us to see things differently. The idea is to combine the mobile pavilion with a social proposition of service to the population: legal, health, administrative… in connection with associations, schools, nursing homes…”
Laurent Fiévet, owner of the Kervahut Fund.
A major project for the young Quimper architect
Jean-François Madec, architect from Quimper, is in charge of carrying out the Kervahut project.
How did you come to work on the Kervahut fund project?
The two project leaders contacted me. A year ago, I made them a proposal that they liked, following the specifications that they had entrusted to me.
Do you work in partnership with Atelier Blam, a design agency from Nantes which worked with two designers from Quimper, the Bouroullec brothers?
Yes, Atelier Blam notably created the basin, the hot air balloon and fountains for the last Olympic Games in Paris. For the Bouroullec Brothers, they designed removable pavilions.
Your studies show a Breton inspiration…
Yes, I took the archetype of the Breton roof, it's a nod to sitting dogs and traditional slate roofs. A teepee side with a Napoleon hat. The constraint of the Distag project is to create something that is easily dismantled and transportable. More generally, Kervahut is an exceptional site and the objective is to transform a farmhouse into an exhibition and presentation space for artists.
